In this news alert:

VENEZUELA – Delays in Document Processing Until June

From 7 April until the end of June 2016, delays are expected in all governmental entities in Venezuela related to document processing, including document legalisations, work permit applications and visa renewals.

The standard processing time for a work permit and transient visa application has increased from 42 to 61 days.

Why is this happening?

The delays are a consequence of measures recently implemented by the Venezuelan government in order to contribute to a reduction in energy consumption. These measures are as follows:

Most government offices will work from Monday to Thursday, in a reduced schedule from 8:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. This reduces the effective office hours to five hours per day;

All government entities will not work on Fridays during the months of April and May 2016.Please be aware that during the months of April and May 2016, there will be only 20 working hours per week in most government offices.

This schedule is expected to end by 31 May 2016, but delays will continue until the end of June 2016. Processing in Venezuelan consulates abroad is not affected.

Action Items

Plan for increased processing times for work permits, visa renewals and document legalisations in Venezuela until the end of June 2016.